School Counseling Certification in Arizona

Arizona school counselors are certified by the Department of Education. They are issued professional non-teaching certificates that are valid with students in pre-kindergarten through grade twelve. Certification is based on graduate education and qualifying experience. Arizona guidance counselors do not have an examination requirement.

The experience requirement can be met through a supervised school counseling program at the graduate level. In some cases, however, applicants will not need to verify practicum. The Arizona Department of Education will also accept work experience as a teacher or school guidance counselor. The individual will need three years of full-time experience as a teacher or two years as a guidance counselor.

Background Check Requirements

The Arizona Department of Education requires applicants to complete state and federal criminal background checks and have a fingerprint clearance card issued.

The current requirement is for an Identity Verified Prints (IVP) clearance card. Applicants may request IVP packets from the Department of Public Safety by calling (602) 223-2279, faxing (602) 223-2947, or addressing mail to the following address:

The Department of Education requires a photocopy of the clearance card, submitted at the time of application. However, professionals can expect to be asked to show the original laminated card at the employment level. Replacement cards, if necessary, can be purchased for $5.00.

Applicants will provide information about their education and practicum experiences and will answer criminal history questions. Candidates who answer 'yes' to criminal history questions are required to provide detailed explanation. The Department of Education has provided incident forms for this purpose. Applicants will describe circumstances, disposition, mitigating factors, and (if applicable) sentencing. They will also need to provide the date and location of arrest.

Official transcripts are required. These can be used to document practicum experience as well as degree and program requirements. Individuals qualifying on the basis of full-time teaching experience will need to have a 'Verification of Teaching Experience' form signed by the superintendent or personnel director. Those qualifying on the basis of guidance counseling experience will need to provide a letter on official letterhead; this must also be signed by a superintendent or personnel director.

The application fee may be paid by check or money order. It is nonrefundable.

Certification evaluation specialists can be reached at 602-542-4367. Certification can also be reached by email at 'certification at azed.gov'.

A limited number of services are available on a walk-in basis at the certification offices located in Phoenix and Tucson. The Tucson office provided only same-day services and does not accept credit cards. The main office at 1535 West Jefferson Street, in Phoenix is open on weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30. The more limited Tucson hours are posted online (http://www.azed.gov/educator-certification/).

The Arizona School Counselors Association ( AzSCA) is the state's professional organization http://www.azsca.org). AzSCA is not involved with the certification process but provides professional development and advocacy.